What to Look For When Buying a Used Tractor

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  • Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
  • Are you shopping for an old tractor? In this video, I walk you step-by-step through what to look for when buying a used tractor. I go through the simple checks that can be performed when buying both from a private owner and at auction: assessing the health of the engine, transmission, hydraulic system, PTO, and brakes. Looking for indicators of how well the tractor was cared for, and what problems may be lurking unseen in a tractor that is not properly checked out. There are clear indicators of major mechanical problems that do not require much mechanical expertise to see, and there are common problems that are relatively cheap to fix; I will teach you the difference between the two. Buying an old tractor can be a cheap alternative to buying new, but you have to do your homework first!
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    email: peterelarson3@gmail.com
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Комментарии • 296

  • @keithnavarro2930
    @keithnavarro2930 3 года назад +47

    Always a good idea to take a trusted, experienced friend or mentor along.

    • @hightower2537
      @hightower2537 3 года назад +2

      im close enough to ithica i might pay pete to come along! haha

    • @keithnavarro2930
      @keithnavarro2930 3 года назад +2

      @@hightower2537 well worth the price of his breakfast.

    • @CliffsideStables
      @CliffsideStables 2 года назад

      Two heads are better than one...even if one is a goat head, Dad said. Tim in northern TN

  • @tomballard4794
    @tomballard4794 3 года назад +10

    When you buy an old tractor your buying a hobby,just like old cars. Watching your videos has shown me that sometimes it better to buy a newer tractor .

  • @JamesCouch777
    @JamesCouch777 3 года назад +35

    A tractor mechanic told me that if you want a good tractor, get an old tractor and fix it up and it will be more dependable than a new one. He's been a tractor mechanic for about sixty years so he should know what he's talking about.

    • @JamesCouch777
      @JamesCouch777 3 года назад +4

      @@eltsennestle998 exactly.

    • @GierokFarms
      @GierokFarms 3 года назад +5

      Couldn't agree more with both of you! Especially buying before emissions.

    • @JamesCouch777
      @JamesCouch777 3 года назад +3

      @@GierokFarms I have five tractors and I would never buy one with a computer. The new John Deere's have over 60 sensors.

    • @GierokFarms
      @GierokFarms 3 года назад +2

      I believe it I have had to work on older rogators and even those are a nightmare of wires and sensors!

    • @user-ez7wx6uv8x
      @user-ez7wx6uv8x 5 месяцев назад

      thats literally what i just did because my grandfather used to say the same thing. dont make em like they used to dont ya know

  • @davidcrosby8552
    @davidcrosby8552 3 года назад +24

    An old mechanic from ww2 era taught me that you can hear internal engine sounds by sticking the handle of a large screwdriver in your ear and then resting the other end on the valve cover, cylinders, case, ect. It really works to pinpoint where an abnormal sound is coming from and maybe hear something you didn't before.

    • @paulwerkowitch7770
      @paulwerkowitch7770 3 года назад +4

      Yes very good for any used vehicle you are buying. If you can't reach the area easily a broomstick serves the same function.

    • @gregclark2518
      @gregclark2518 2 года назад

      Also a great way to identify issues with bearings.

    • @bosstang58
      @bosstang58 Год назад

      that is a very ineffective way of doing things because the sound travels through all of the connected steel in the engine...an old wives tale

  • @mcallahan9060
    @mcallahan9060 3 года назад +45

    Like they say, if your not leaking hydraulic fluid then your out of hydraulic fluid.

    • @JustaFewAcresFarm
      @JustaFewAcresFarm  3 года назад +15

      Ha ha! Never heard that one before, thanks! I like to say these old tractors have a built-in rustproofing system.

    • @JohnnyUmphress
      @JohnnyUmphress 3 года назад +3

      I know that's right. Did hydraulic maintenance for a manufacturing plant for years. Constantly chased leaks.

  • @packatk7431
    @packatk7431 3 года назад +20

    More of this... this is so informative and interesting. Did you hear about the wooden tractor? It had wooden wheels, wooden engine, wooden transmission and wooden work... can't wait for more in this series.

  • @mattcraztex9940
    @mattcraztex9940 3 года назад +7

    I feel Like a just learned 80 Years of tractor maintenance and knowledge. I Love these old Farmalls more then anything else. Back when muscle tractors were the pride of the field and were built to work for decades to come.

  • @Brodyb101
    @Brodyb101 3 года назад +8

    Should do a video on someone wanting to get into tractor restoration.

  • @dougssemi-retiredlife9690
    @dougssemi-retiredlife9690 3 года назад +12

    From everything you just talked about I can see where you're passion is and it's a good thing that you quit being an architect and started going for your passion because that's what life's all about if you're not happy what good was life

  • @garysisk3431
    @garysisk3431 3 года назад +1

    Great review Pete, spot on, keep them coming

  • @wayneharland432
    @wayneharland432 3 года назад +1

    As usual.. great advice. Love your videos Pete. Keep up the great work.

  • @tractorhyatt7044
    @tractorhyatt7044 3 года назад +4

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, Pete! That was really thorough. Enjoyed watching and learning! 🇺🇸🚜👍

  • @allanulen3809
    @allanulen3809 3 года назад +1

    really enjoying these videos. we can all learn. and it's fun to see what to look for.

  • @ollytompkin7702
    @ollytompkin7702 3 года назад +7

    Hope you are all well and love seeing the videos

  • @andyanderson9165
    @andyanderson9165 3 года назад +1

    Great series! Really enjoy tractor talk and the walk around with contractor family. Doc seems to enjoy spending time with he tractors a you too. Have a great day!!

  • @LedgemereHeritageFarm
    @LedgemereHeritageFarm 3 года назад +5

    Thanks Pete. I appreciate how much effort goes into shooting and editing these videos in addition to running your farm

  • @NotOnYourLife
    @NotOnYourLife 3 года назад +1

    Excellent Pete! Very concise and loaded with correct and useful information.

  • @johnrosier1686
    @johnrosier1686 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the video Pete. I wasn’t aware that you had that many tractors. No problem with that though.
    I appreciate all the info. Please continue with more tractor videos.

  • @delprice3007
    @delprice3007 3 года назад +2

    Awesome, thanks for taking the time to explain things!

  • @clevjam
    @clevjam 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Pete, I think you have helped many people with this video..Thank you so much for sharing!!!

  • @richardanderson2742
    @richardanderson2742 3 года назад +4

    As a rough rule of thumb, I believe you get the best prices at an auction, but you get the best deals from owners. The vintage tractor market is largely small farmers and collectors that have an attachment to the machines. While they may gloss over a tractor's faults, most are more honest than average and want to see their tractor remain in use....and they often throw in a whole lot of spares that you'll never see at an auction.

  • @usmcforever7630
    @usmcforever7630 3 года назад +1

    A pleasure to hear you giving a very common sense tutoral on buying used old tractors. Well done. Still waitin on the engine. Looking forward to it.

  • @JAvery-vb9lm
    @JAvery-vb9lm 3 года назад

    So much knowledge in this channel. Love it. I've watched almost every video. For the entertainment as much as knowledge. Thanks Pete. And Hillary

  • @chriszenker2468
    @chriszenker2468 3 года назад +7

    As always Pete your videos are well thought-out and informative you have a nice set of IH tractors and as you say this info is good for all brands there basics keep up the fine work .

  • @evaarnim
    @evaarnim 2 года назад

    I really enjoyed hearing and seeing you explain the workings of your tractor

  • @manleybrittain1296
    @manleybrittain1296 2 года назад

    Well said Pete I am enjoying your content!

  • @petersonsawmillservice268
    @petersonsawmillservice268 2 года назад +1

    Ilove your shop videos. You explain, dont skip steps, and move at a pace i can follow. Thank you very much.

  • @joebarbjb6668
    @joebarbjb6668 3 года назад +1

    Don’t have a tractor but grew up on farms, love them, thanks for the tutorial.

  • @davidnorried3928
    @davidnorried3928 3 года назад +1

    Awesome series! It’s helping us to choose a used tractor for our homestead.

  • @KingJamesBibleBeliever-de9fy
    @KingJamesBibleBeliever-de9fy 3 года назад +7

    If I had a farm I'd want to be as knowledgeable about the farm as Pete! love you buddy keep teaching me! If I lived close enough your meat and eggs would be in my freezer/frig.

  • @twosheas
    @twosheas 3 года назад +2

    Best Tractor “What to look for” video I’ve seen. You and Marty T are the best tractor tubers out there. Keep ‘em comin’.

  • @bub7961
    @bub7961 Год назад

    I could sit and listen to the knowledge that comes out of ur mouth all day

  • @magethenrogue3035
    @magethenrogue3035 3 года назад

    Thank you for the information. I am looking for a tractor to grade my mothers road and driveway now that she is retired. this will help for sure!

  • @user-qp4vq6le4s
    @user-qp4vq6le4s 5 месяцев назад +1

    Love your very informative videos. I used to live on a farm in central PA , Near Milton. We farmed about 300 acres on a dairy farm and dad started out with the same tractors you have. Super C, an H, and an M. Upgraded to a 706 gas , then a 826 diesel. Eventually retired the H and got a450 gas to handle the large round bales. 7 generation farm. I love all the maintenance and repairs you do. We never had enough time or place to do them. I admire the way you farm your animals. The last was keeping cows in " what we called a barnyard". I agree , it does keep the cows warmer and happier. Keep up the great work. Giving hope to the disappearing small farmer. Give warmest reguards to your whole family , especially your amazing wife.

  • @martintopp1399
    @martintopp1399 Год назад

    HI there Pete. I have just been to Old tractor buying school. I don't think I am qualified yet. I will come back for a refresher or three and take notes. Such a helpful video!!! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your farm life to do rhis video. Thanks.

  • @donnaparrish7638
    @donnaparrish7638 3 года назад +1

    Wow! We can call you Mr. Tractor! I wondered if there was someone else who knew as much about tractors as my son in law. I believe there is! Very interesting Pete! Thanks!

  • @denniskalivoda
    @denniskalivoda 2 года назад +5

    Pete, I am glad that I have run on to you. Sure enjoy every video you have produced. Farmall tractors are a soft spot in my life. I purchased a 1941-M ( used) back in 1956 while in high school. My dad had one back in my younger years ( 1947). I worked horses pressing corn at the age of about 8-9 while dad planted corn. Will keep this short as I am 81 from Kansas and sometimes raddle on to much. Sure enjoy your life on the farm

  • @sdrailfan892
    @sdrailfan892 Год назад

    Great information Pete. Thank you.

  • @larryolson3256
    @larryolson3256 3 года назад

    Good information in buying anything. You covered it well.

  • @flugit
    @flugit 3 года назад

    Gonna go look at a case vao this afternoon. This video is a great help

  • @harbortim1
    @harbortim1 3 года назад +1

    Great video. Inspired me to go out to the shop and work on my J D 40 restoration.

  • @blackpistolcompany3482
    @blackpistolcompany3482 3 года назад

    Pete you are truly a wealth of knowledge.

  • @TheHoughr
    @TheHoughr 3 года назад +1

    Pete I love your Chanel soo much loved the vid just what I need very informational

  • @adamfontana537
    @adamfontana537 3 года назад +1

    Enjoyed it very much. Keep up the great work Pete

  • @rickshafer4241
    @rickshafer4241 2 года назад +2

    Wow! What a very helpful tutorial on what to look for when buying an older tractor. Thanks, Pete, for such a good video! By the way, love the looks of your New Idea manure spreader - that thing looks pristine. Only drawback would be - I would hate to get it all dirty by putting manure in it! Thanks, Rick Shafer

  • @jblfd4600
    @jblfd4600 2 года назад +7

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience with all who venture to your channel. Regardless of whether it's a seasoned proprietor or a newbie such as myself, you present things in a way that is unbiased of the listener's background experiences. That is the true definition of a good teacher.

  • @charlessmith3995
    @charlessmith3995 3 года назад +5

    I have seen mechanics that can rebuild a engine tractor never before have i seen any one that can explain in detail each and every part like you have it's been fun ps i found more grease fitting on my M thanks to you

  • @leonmaritz2598
    @leonmaritz2598 2 года назад

    Thank you for all the helpful tips...

  • @jeffanderlik7695
    @jeffanderlik7695 3 года назад +4

    I was glad to see the correct decals on that '40 H. I just had Dad's '41 H gone through, literally from front to rear. I didn't have time to do it myself (I work full time off the farm) and the shop fixed lots of things I probably wouldn't have checked. I still have about 5 hours left for break-in, and she'll be ready for another 80 years. I pushed snow with her all winter.

  • @wesleycallison2079
    @wesleycallison2079 3 года назад +8

    Something to watch out for on farmalls is under the rear axle. If there's a crack or patch under the bull gear it probably has a ball bearing or gear tooth floating around which can get pinched between the bull gear and the bottom of the housing and break it out. Very hard to repair. Steer clear.

  • @jessicabuckman9675
    @jessicabuckman9675 Год назад

    you are great Thanks Pete, anyone looking for a tractor, should watch one of you're videos.

  • @ChrisSmith-io5vw
    @ChrisSmith-io5vw 2 года назад +1

    Hey mister Pete again I love old tractors I especially love old Farmall tractors and I like your passion when you're talkin about the tractors the unit good luck to you and Hillary God bless

  • @randybenne9968
    @randybenne9968 3 года назад +2

    This is a true education. Thank you.

  • @jeffreyjohnson9108
    @jeffreyjohnson9108 3 года назад +2

    Great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise!!

    • @lydiacapps709
      @lydiacapps709 3 года назад

      @Hello Jeffrey how are you doing

  • @carlalv7717
    @carlalv7717 2 года назад +1

    Great video on how to buy used machines. I am not a farmer, but the knowledge you provided us here can be useful in buying a used car, or anything that has moving parts. Thank you for sharing Peter!

  • @ChrisGore-mj9vo
    @ChrisGore-mj9vo 8 месяцев назад +1

    Hey Pete, really enjoy your videos, one thing to mention is part availability. Both aftermarket and new old stock. I have seen to many times someone buys old farm equipment and it becomes to expensive to restore or fix because parts are expensive. Keep the videos coming.

  • @davidkeville9282
    @davidkeville9282 3 года назад +1

    Still love hearing your h run sounds good remind me of my dad with his H

  • @user-ez7wx6uv8x
    @user-ez7wx6uv8x 5 месяцев назад

    thanks for that vid. loved it. i just bought a 72 ford tractor and actually did all that before watching the engine just on my amateur knowledge of engines. but thanks for reassuring i did it right.

  • @pcdreams1
    @pcdreams1 3 года назад +6

    Hey Pete, I learned more in this half hour about mechanics than I have tinkering my entire life! I'd really be interested in seeing something about working on hydraulics. As I've mentioned before, I've got an old 70s model Kubota with stubborn hydraulics. The valve where the levers are has a drip I've not been able to get stopped and I get a squeal through the up/down/left/right of the front blade or 3/pt. I'm planning to flush it in the spring. I'm sure there's water in there, my gear shift boot is cracked (again)

  • @johnsimone9384
    @johnsimone9384 2 года назад

    Love your videos on tractor repairs and restoration. I mentioned to my wife that I would love to restore an older tractor and she told me I would have to move in with you. I’ll just have to live out my dream watching your videos

  • @wilymcgee
    @wilymcgee 3 года назад +1

    Pete, depending on tractor, governor may also adjust carburetor throttle plate (opens up the air pulling more fuel in along w/ it).
    keep up the great work!

  • @FusedFootage
    @FusedFootage Год назад

    Thank you soooo much! Doing my homework now!

  • @RickLatta61
    @RickLatta61 3 года назад +2

    Love old Farmalls! We have a mid 60s 140 that our grand parents bought new. They had a produce farm. These tractors last forever when taken care of.

  • @clydeschwartz2167
    @clydeschwartz2167 3 года назад +2

    Excellent video i do the same thing when I am looking to buy a tractor or heavy equipment machines I also look at the battery and cables along with the other wiring and I listen to the starter they can get to be expensive on rarer models of tractors I also let the engine run a few minutes shut it off and then restart it right away with the injector pump like your 656 diesel has if it has internal issues it will not start right back up again

  • @JL-xn3zy
    @JL-xn3zy 3 года назад

    Congratulations on 90k subscribers!!!! Keep kicking butt Pete!!!👍👍👍👍👍

  • @michaeldunagan8268
    @michaeldunagan8268 3 года назад +1

    Outstanding advice.
    Especially the "pulling a plow all its life". It reminds me to the proverb to "never buy a semi-tractor that hauled steel."

  • @Sir-Green13
    @Sir-Green13 3 года назад

    This is a great educational series that you are doing, I would like to get some tips for restoring and rebuilding old tractor and your ideas and recommendations on doing so.

  • @ThompsonJosh98
    @ThompsonJosh98 3 года назад

    Amazing tips. Thanks pete

  • @joeyfiola3852
    @joeyfiola3852 3 года назад

    Thanks for these how to video loaded with great information.

  • @dwaynekoblitz6032
    @dwaynekoblitz6032 3 года назад

    Pretty sure that I will never buy a tractor. But who knows? Still a very fantastic video Pete. So thank you. From a city slicker. But I was, born and reared, on a farm. I wasn’t raised. Animals are. And the pigs are HUGE!! Man, well done! The winter looks to have been so brutal. Coming from Georgia. Take care Pete.

  • @frankcadillac9151
    @frankcadillac9151 3 года назад +5

    Very good advice Pete. Most old tractors are gravity feed for the gas. Its good form to have a shutoff under the fuel tank shut it off after use, you don't want gas dripping if the float doesn't seal. Unless you use the tractor often shut the fuel and run the carb. dry

  • @MrSparks701
    @MrSparks701 Год назад

    Great advice. Thanks Pete!

  • @jamesbreault5762
    @jamesbreault5762 2 года назад

    Great info Pete learned alot👍👍👍

  • @694PDPX6R4
    @694PDPX6R4 2 года назад

    pete you are the man,,,,,thanks for many hours of pleasure following your video,s

  • @jimschnars2866
    @jimschnars2866 3 года назад +2

    Great video give those rear tires a shake shows if bearings are bad i was told the farmalls offset engine causes it to be heavy on the left so when u jack it up on the right side it can easily flip over

  • @MarkWYoung-ky4uc
    @MarkWYoung-ky4uc 2 года назад

    Great tutorial Mr. Pete.

  • @Ckktopa
    @Ckktopa 11 месяцев назад

    Great tips. Thanks Pete!

  • @neilisaacson
    @neilisaacson 3 года назад +2

    With the tractor running, shine your flashlight at the fan and watch for a bent fin. It will be easy to spot. Thanks from Washington state for the great tips.

  • @daviddawson1830
    @daviddawson1830 Год назад

    Thanks for sharing Pete

  • @michaelkoon8371
    @michaelkoon8371 Год назад

    Pete the farm all your just talking about is the same kind that my grandpaw had can’t wait to see you working on it and running yes I can’t wIt to watch that video on that one so happy to see you have one like my grandpaw had

  • @automedontas
    @automedontas 3 года назад

    Useful video.. Thanks for the guidelines Pete ..

  • @CliffsideStables
    @CliffsideStables 2 года назад

    GREAT CONTENT/ADVICE! Thanks Pete. Tim in northern TN

  • @treepop1550
    @treepop1550 4 месяца назад

    Great video pete!!! Hard to explain how some of are drawn to mechanical vehicles such as tractors and find them to be so interesting and useful!??

  • @raymondboulanger2908
    @raymondboulanger2908 3 года назад

    Lots of great info. Much appreciated.

  • @horsebee1
    @horsebee1 3 года назад +4

    The color of the exhaust smoke can tell you a lot about an engine as well such as an engine that has blue smoke on rev up is a sure sign of worn rings and black smoke is unburnt fuel which is a sign of running ritch. Start looking for a blocked air filter or a worn carb and on a diesel it may indicate bad injectors or a worn pump.

  • @Drew-gj1es
    @Drew-gj1es 3 года назад

    Great information. Thanks for sharing!

  • @jakeschroeder1553
    @jakeschroeder1553 3 года назад +2

    You covered it! Only other thing I would add is to avoid DIY "fixes." Wire holding something on instead of the proper fastener, non-original couplings/reducers, clearly rigged up ways to make something work, etc.

  • @Sean-fb7cy
    @Sean-fb7cy 2 года назад

    Thank you ever useful information 👍
    Regards from waterford Ireland 🇮🇪

  • @TheLowlery
    @TheLowlery 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for your efforts you have become my a#1 site. Keep the jokes coming

  • @rolandpinette9946
    @rolandpinette9946 3 года назад +2

    Excellent video, Pete. Very informative.
    You killed the H by stomping on the brake and stalling it. The video does not show you turning off the switch after the stall.

  • @bradleyschneider3871
    @bradleyschneider3871 3 года назад

    Wow I guess I don't have to take a mechanic class all I have to do is watch just a few acres....nice work my friend!very informative...i might be looking to buy an old used tractor this will come un handy!! Thank You!

  • @Wingnutmv
    @Wingnutmv 2 года назад

    Outstanding, educational video. Thank you

  • @quinnsikora8283
    @quinnsikora8283 3 года назад +1

    Love seeing these videos! I never worked on an engine before rebuilding a couple of my dad's old tractors(John Deere 60 & Case 770) the last couple of years, had great success bringing them back to life and loved the work. Just bought my first couple of tractors last fall (Farmall H & 300). Really looking forward to rebuilding and restoring them front to back and and get them back to work on my farm, these videos make me even more excited. Thanks for what you do, Pete!!

  • @thomaspickar9709
    @thomaspickar9709 3 года назад +1

    I I bought a 1953 Minneapolis Moline UB( similar to a Farmall super m) for 240 bucks had a junk old trip bucket on it, the manifold rusted-out and a bad radiator. $300 in manifold and radiator, a new coil that was laying around the shop, spark plug wires, spark plugs, carb clean, and my grandpa's magical touch for timing I've got a tractor that runs smoother than smooth.
    Some of them tractors are gems covered in dirt and Moss but sometimes they're not. When buying a non-running tractor stuck or unstuck is very important.

  • @Wheelloader__
    @Wheelloader__ 3 года назад +2

    Great video Pete. We had 2 farmall H’s on the farm when I was a kid. Brings back memories.

  • @donaldwallace7934
    @donaldwallace7934 3 года назад

    A wealth of information Pete!! I am going Saturday to check out a 1952 Minneapolis Moline ZA. Minneapolis Moline is one brand I have no experience with, so it will be interesting! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Have a great day Pete!!

  • @290wayne
    @290wayne 3 года назад

    When I lived in West Va. I worked for DNR dept natural red. Ran an 1955 int. Low boy with a belly mower an sickle bar.... We also had one called a worthington. Really old. We had a bunch of what I'd call junk. But tractors from the 40's. An 50's

  • @jamesjustin5095
    @jamesjustin5095 3 года назад

    There used to be a tractor day here in Thompson, Ohio. Bunch of guys and gals ride their tractors to the local bar, Bucks Inn. Fun times!

  • @Boot_185
    @Boot_185 3 года назад

    Up around where I am most put winter washer fluid in tires to load them and to prevent rusting out the rims.

  • @freedom8921-s6o
    @freedom8921-s6o Год назад

    WOW, learned a lot! Thank you.